The 4-Hour Body Million-Pound March (and $1,000,000 Pot) 234 Comments
Many readers have lost 150+ pounds using The Slow-Carb Diet®. How can you lose at least 4%?
What if you could make dieting failure-proof? What if I could guarantee that you’d lose that last handful of abdominal fat?
Today marks my best attempt to do just that. The target is to collectively lose 1,000,000 pounds of fat in the next 28 days. Along with it, I’d like to offer a $1,000,000 pot — one of several incentives.
Based on behavioral change research (by people like Stanford’s BJ Fogg), as well as my own experimentation with thousands of readers, there are three critical ingredients typically missing from dieting:
- Stakes — Some type of loss-aversion and real accountability
- Rewards — Reinforcement from support groups and finances
- Minimalism — Doing the least necessary, not the most possible. The latter fails quickly.
I’ve checked off all three personally many times. Exhibit A: Fat “Peanut Butter Sandwiches” Tim versus current Tim:
But now it’s time to check off all three on a massive scale. I’ve never seen it done before, and that’s exciting.
From 10/23 to 11/16 — Game Time
For the next four weeks, from Tuesday, October 23rd to Friday, November 16th, I’m partnering with Lift and DietBet to create The 4-Hour Body Challenge.
When you diet alone, nobody’s holding your feet to the fire. There’s nothing stopping you from saying, “I’ll do it next month.” But when you compete with others, especially with money on the line, it focuses you on a goal like nothing else. It’s strict accountability wrapped in a game.
Here are the steps and prizes…
Step 1: Lift
Download Lift if you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod (Android users, keep reading). Search for “4HB.” To search, click on the plus sign here:
Then, sign up for whichever 4HB habits you want. See the six below, The Slow-Carb Diet® being the most important. With no real promotion, the number of participants has exploded in our last 48 hours of testing:
If you’re on Android, you can use The 4-Hour Body App (though it has less community built-in), and all the below steps still apply. This challenge is designed for Lift but doesn’t require it.
Optional Step 2: DietBet
Optional but HIGHLY recommended: Sign up for The 4-Hour Body DietBet.
Even if you use a diet not in The 4-Hour Body, this is a powerful tool you can leverage for your own 4-week challenge. Vegans, paleo die-hards, and everyone in between — you’re all invited.
Studies have established that people work incredibly hard to avoid losing money. Much harder, in fact, than they will work to earn it. On this page, you can put your money where your mouth is.
To compete, players each add $50 to the pot, which is divided up among the “winners” at the end of the game. DietBetting is not winner-take-all like The Biggest Loser. Instead, everyone who loses at least 4% of their starting weight will get an equal share of the pot. DietBet supplies referees to verify weights using a photo-based weigh-in process.
If we can get 20,000 total people, which is totally achievable, that’s $1,000,000.
Here’s how the pot breaks down:
- 85% of the total is divided among the winners
- 5% goes to DietBet itself for credit card fees, etc.
- 10% would have gone to me but will instead be donated to The Gazzaley Lab, a cognitive neuroscience research lab at the University of California, San Francisco focused on studying the neural mechanisms of memory and attention, and how we might intervene therapeutically to alleviate memory and attention deficits.
DietBetting works. People, even wealthy people, keep their promises not to lose $50.
Since its launch in January, 33% of players have hit or exceeded their 4% weight-loss target, winning cash. On average, winners end up losing more than 8 pounds, roughly two pounds per week.
I think The 4-Hour Body team can beat all of those averages. If you’re up for some minimal stakes, which is massively to your benefit, sign up here.
Step 3: Educate Yourself
Use all the free tools and support at your disposal.
As a starting point, consider the forum 4HBTalk, which is extremely active with advice and community. Also be sure to read my previous posts on basics, like “How to Lose 100 Pounds on The Slow-Carb Diet” (features pics and case studies).
Of course, if you want to get uber-serious, I’d suggest reading The 4-Hour Body.
Optional Step 4: Automate Meals
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’m piloting a Slow-Carb Diet® meal delivery service, licensed with permission to Evolution Meals.
There are only about 30 new slots per week available (it’s beta, after all), so first come, first served. You can sign up here. You can use code “SCD15” for $15 off your first order (no expiration date).
If you’re interested in licensing The Slow-Carb Diet® or its related trademarks, please fill out this form. Serious inquiries only, please.
Last but Not Least…
For the people who have the most amazing before-and-after transformations (take “before” pictures or you’ll regret it!), I’ll have many cool opportunities. There could be dozens of you involved.
The opps are top-secret for now, but they’ll be good.
For the one person who loses the most bodyfat percentage points (not necessarily total weight) by November 16th, I have another prize. I will fly you from anywhere in the world to San Francisco for a day with me, all expenses paid. We can hike Mt. Tam, check out my favorite restaurants, talk business, visit hot start-ups, grab drinks with my close friends… whatever you’d like. If it’s a weekend, I’ll also cover your hotel and meals for a second day of beautiful SF.
How to measure bodyfat?
I’d prefer that you use the most accurate tools, such as the below. Many of the above can be found at high-end gyms or nearby hospitals. No matter what, you must use the same tool (and ideally the same person) for your “before,” progress, and “after” measurements.
The most accurate tools:
BodPod (pay per session)
DEXA or DXA (pay per session)
Hydrostatic weighing (dunk tank) (pay per session)
Skin fold calipers – MUST use at least 7 points and ideally the Jackson-Pollock algorithm (pay per session)
BodyMetrix Personal (purchase) – This is the handheld ultrasound device that is used by the New York Yankees, AC Milan, and yours truly. It plugs into your laptop via USB. For 25% off of this device (so $100+ off), use code 4HOURBODY at checkout.
If you can’t find or afford any of these, just do your best to capture progress. For instance:
- Take good “before” pics (front, side, back) and weekly progress pictures.
- Take tape measure measurements before starting, then each week, per The 4-Hour Body instructions:
Get a simple tape measure and measure four locations: both upper arms (mid-bicep), waist (horizontal at navel), hips (at widest point below waist), and both legs (mid-thigh). Total these numbers to arrive at your Total Inches (TI). Changes in this total will be meaningful enough to track.
Regardless, eat smart (90% of fat loss), train well (10% of fat loss), and be safe, of course.
So what are you waiting for? Download Lift, sign up for the DietBet here if you can, and let’s get to losing 1,000,000 pounds!
That’s three entire blue whales, by the way. Or 35,714 honey badgers.
Posted on October 24th, 2012
Related & Recommended Posts
-
Most Popular
The Not-To-Do List: 9 Habits to Stop Now
The Art of Letting Bad Things Happen (and Weapons of Mass Distraction)
How to Travel the World with 10 Pounds or Less (Plus: How to Negotiate Convertibles and Luxury Treehouses)
How to Do The Impossible: Create a Paperless Life, Never Check Voicemail Again, Never Return Another Phone Call…
-
-
Topics
- 4-Hour Case Studies (44)
- Automation (7)
- Dance (3)
- E-mail Detox (20)
- Entrepreneurship (41)
- Filling the Void (77)
- Gadgets (14)
- Geoarbitrage (8)
- Interviews (28)
- Investing (12)
- Language (13)
- Low-Information Diet (39)
- Marketing (46)
- Mental Performance (25)
- Mini-retirements (23)
- Muse Examples (8)
- Nonsense (5)
- Opening the Kimono – OTK (4)
- Outsourcing Life (16)
- Physical Performance (37)
- Practical Philosophy (18)
- Presentations (3)
- Protecting Time (12)
- Random (19)
- Remote Offices (7)
- Rockstar Living in… (5)
- The 4-Hour Body – 4HB (39)
- The 4-Hour Chef – 4HC (36)
- The 4-Hour Chef Recipes (1)
- The Book – 4HWW (41)
- The Slow-Carb Diet (4)
- Travel (57)
- Writing and Blogging (17)
-
Tim on Facebook…
-
Tim's Photos and More
234 Comments
James — October 24th, 2012, 2:07 pm
Dibs on first comment! Definitely interested in the automating meals idea, great stuff Tim
Warren Davies — October 24th, 2012, 2:08 pm
How strong is the research saying that diet betting works?
I remember hearing that, I think William Hill allow people to bet on their own diets. And when a betting agency allows you to bet on something, it’s because the house is going to win, on average.
Sjors Provoost — October 24th, 2012, 2:34 pm
In this case the house wins from the average player. However the better dieters can win both compared to the worse dieters and compared to the amount of money they put in.
I’m also curious to know which (peer reviewed, properly done) studies you’re referring to. But either way I do believe this experiment and challenge is worthy.
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 2:56 pm
Hi Sjors,
The studies on auction behavior and loss aversion are cited in The 4-Hour Body and pretty easy to find, but I’m afraid I can’t remember the universities and investigators offhand. Apologies!
All the best,
Tim
Sjors Provoost — October 24th, 2012, 3:08 pm
No problem, I’ll look them up in the book.
Derek — October 24th, 2012, 7:03 pm
Here’s the original PDF about loss aversion from Danny Kahneman:
http://dirkbergemann.commons.yale.edu/files/kahnemann-1984-choices-values-frames.pdf
There have been countless studies after this to verify these results, in probably every field imaginable.
But the bottom line? People are more likely to work harder towards the prevention of loss than the possibility of gain.
James — October 24th, 2012, 2:35 pm
You can bet on your own diet? For real?
That’s a mighty incentive to lose some weight
Andrzej — October 24th, 2012, 2:08 pm
I don’t have any Apple product. Gonna check if those apps have a browser-based editions.
Alex — October 24th, 2012, 2:21 pm
Same! have you had any luck?
Jackie — October 24th, 2012, 2:57 pm
I’m in the same boat! I haven’t found anything for non-iPhone users on either front. Any suggestions?
Brittany — October 24th, 2012, 6:50 pm
If you have Android, you can try Habit Streak. Its free, and I can’t vouch for it yet since I just got it, but it supposedly prompts you daily to ask if you are following the rules you set for yourself. We’ll see how it goes.
Matt — October 24th, 2012, 7:08 pm
You can play in the Dietbet using the browser-based version of the game–no iPhone required.
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:05 pm
If you’re on Android, you can use The 4-Hour Body App (though it has less community built-in), and all the other steps still apply: http://www.fourhourbodyapps.com
This challenge is designed for Lift but doesn’t require it.
Hope that helps!
Tim
Brendan — October 24th, 2012, 3:17 pm
Thanks Tim!
Kristi — October 25th, 2012, 8:11 am
I actually like the 4HB app over the Lift app. The social aspect is nice and it’s well built, but it’s over-simplistic with it’s giant check-in button. DietBet, however, is freaking genius.
Thanks for the kick in the ass Tim! Hope to see you around SF sometime soon.
Harsh — November 14th, 2012, 1:51 am
Hi. I have just recently started the program and it works too well. However was hoping if there could be an application for the same made for blackberry users. I have one and lot of my other friends have em too. I loved the app available on android but a wish list with an app for blackberry users.
Thanks,
A great book and excellent results.
Brendan — October 24th, 2012, 3:09 pm
Find any?
ChrisM — October 24th, 2012, 3:44 pm
It’s pretty silly when people put ios apps before android, since ios users are a small percentage of the total.:
Android:104.8 million units, 68.1 percent share (46.9 percent a year earlier)
iOS: 26.0 million units, 16.9 percent share (18.8 percent a year earlier)
BlackBerry: 7.4 million units, 4.8 percent share (11.5 percent a year earlier)
About 70% of mobiles are android, and about 15% are iphones… Even a year ago, a much larger amount of people had Android than iphones – so a LOT more people could participate with the more “feature rich” version.
Shane Duquette — October 25th, 2012, 2:14 pm
It’s quite easy and enjoyable to design/build apps for Apple products. I find it much harder to develop apps for Android—there are so many different android devices and OS versions.
Or perhaps there’s more money to be made with iPhone apps, even though Apple has a smaller market share. Android users expect free apps and often aren’t willing to pay for them, making it harder for developers to recoup their costs.
Tim Letscher — October 24th, 2012, 2:08 pm
Still hanging at net -16 lbs but this could be the push to get back down to the optimum weight I achieved when I went pretty hard core on the 4HB plan. I’ve eased +8 lbs back so here we go!
Eric Wong — October 24th, 2012, 2:11 pm
Wow Tim – The PT Barnum in you is at it again! Kudos for always raising the stakes and I hope you hit 1,000,000 pounds!
Dan McDonley — October 24th, 2012, 2:11 pm
Damn! I am a couple weeks too late, already in 17 days in and 10lbs down, just past my target weight. Good luck to everyone else, this is a killer program!
Jeff Ramos (@ohjefframos) — October 24th, 2012, 2:12 pm
Tim, you posted this today, but the contest started yesterday!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:06 pm
Yep. AWS, and therefore the Internet, was having some growing pains yesterday
Billy Murphy — October 24th, 2012, 2:12 pm
I lost a lot with the slow-carb diet and rarely exercised during it. Was eye opening.
Mary — October 24th, 2012, 2:12 pm
Fabulous ideas, as usual, Tim! I’ve though for a long time that an approach like DietBetting would be perfect for many of us, including myself! If I had more than just a few last pounds to lose, I’d jump on this in a heartbeat!
Jordan Laubaugh — October 24th, 2012, 2:13 pm
Absolutely amazing Tim!
I don’t even get how everything like the weigh in works but I trust you. Going to dive right in. Let’s do this!
I have no doubt this will explode. So good luck to everyone involved!
Andrew M — October 24th, 2012, 2:14 pm
Android users need not apply. They’re perfect exactly how they are!
David — October 24th, 2012, 2:15 pm
Hey Tim,
Great post! Quick question: do you have any recommended alternatives for Android users, or those wanting to *gain* weight instead of lose it?
I tried setting up a Google Docs sheet with a few friends to utilize the competition aspect but it fell off after a few weeks. Also, I’ve done things like track my calorie intake with PaleoTrack and DailyBurn to no avail and tried GOMAD. I’m having tons of difficulty keeping my calorie intake up in suggested ranges (~3,500/day). Any tips for making sure to eat enough calories to gain weight?
Farid — October 24th, 2012, 2:37 pm
Hi David,
Shoot me an email and we can discuss your difficulties with the overfeeding.
David — October 24th, 2012, 2:57 pm
Thanks, Farid. You’re one of the developers of the 4HB app, correct? I have the full version for my Android device.
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:06 pm
Precisely, just to reiterate:
If you’re on Android, you can use The 4-Hour Body App (though it has less community built-in), and all the other steps still apply: http://www.fourhourbodyapps.com
This challenge is designed for Lift but doesn’t require it.
Hope that helps!
Tim
Mike — October 24th, 2012, 2:16 pm
I am missing how people stay honest for this kind of contest. I don’t have a bodyfat measuring device handy either.
Beau - GamingCoachX.com — October 24th, 2012, 2:18 pm
Tim,
What can those of us with Android phones do? Is there some program we can use via a website or is it strictly an Apple only product?
I’m down man! Hope you like Kokari a lot because that is where we are heading for a celebration dinner next month!
Beau
Mike Seely — October 24th, 2012, 2:21 pm
I love your enthusiasm to help better the world.
David Kurkov — October 24th, 2012, 2:23 pm
Joining
Matthew — October 24th, 2012, 2:24 pm
So, only available for apple product users? No love for droid or web based? Very disappointing.
Matt — October 24th, 2012, 7:14 pm
Dietbet is available web-based at http://www.dietbet.com. Tim’s game is at http://www.dietbet.com/games/4319/standings
Mack Keyvani — October 24th, 2012, 2:25 pm
Hey Tim, there’s not much of body fat you can lose if you are already below 10%.
I know there are other categories but I think the prize for the most body fat points lost is amazing!
Paul — October 24th, 2012, 2:26 pm
Lost 30 lbs on 4HB. Got off it – too much of it came back. Thanks for the kick in the butt pal.
Deb — October 24th, 2012, 2:27 pm
No Apple products here, either. Is there another edition of Lift?
Luis Carrillo — October 24th, 2012, 2:28 pm
This is awesome
I definitely agree with your 3 ingredients, specially Minimalism
the less options & the less one has to think about things: the more action they can take!
Daniel Reeves — October 24th, 2012, 2:30 pm
Beeminder has an Android app (and you can use it for gaining as well as losing weight)!
Sjors Provoost — October 24th, 2012, 2:30 pm
I highly doubt I’ll be able to drop from 76 tot 73 kg in less than four weeks, but let’s give it a shot. I hope everybody plays fair and performs their first weigh in at the same time of day as the last one and not play tricks with water balance.
How do you plan to collect the fat mass data? I have a Whitings scale.
Sjors Provoost — November 23rd, 2012, 3:21 pm
Made it! Lost 3.1 kg exactly on time, $30 profit. Nice downward hockey stick chart coming soon…
I think the best thing that comes from this bet and diet is the sense of being in control of your weight. With control I mean the ability to set a target like “5 kg fat loss”, calculate how long it will take and trust you can actually reach it.
Before this, most of my diet changes had barely any measurable effect. They were probably healthy and I do suspect that they slowed down my “default” pace of weight gain. But it was always just a hunch, not the same as feeling in control.
So thanks! Maybe I’ll peek at the 4HB muscle building chapters with similar confidence now.
David — October 24th, 2012, 2:34 pm
I would love to try this but I don’t have the confidence that I’ll win. I would appreciate meeting Tim so much and wish whoever wins the best. Tim it would be nice if you were to post some of the questions or activities you did in San Francisco.
Russ — October 24th, 2012, 2:35 pm
Is there an android equivalent for Lift? it’s Apple only.
Ann — October 24th, 2012, 2:38 pm
I have no Android nor Apple products.. so I can’t participate? :-/
Rodrigo Melgar — October 24th, 2012, 2:40 pm
first and foremost let me congratulate you for your initiative and creativity you are a great example for us humans.
secondly, if i transform my body the most ( and i will ) do i have to put the $ 50 to earn a flight to SF or could i stay on step 1 .
thirdly , since on the 4hb habits i’ve lost 45 pounds , i have pictures for that , now how are you going to verify that today’s pictures are legit ?
thanking in advance writes, your friend & follower
RMG
Leif Stenlund — October 24th, 2012, 2:47 pm
Sorry, my iPod touch is 1st gen, so it isn’t supported, (it just never breaks so I can get a new one) but if you send me a new one (or, preferably, an iPad) I’ll gladly join!
Nevertheless, I have lost more than 15 kg, about 30 pounds I think,while gaining strenght, largely thanks to your diet, so I’d like to thank you for that.
Thank you.
Leif
Stephen — October 24th, 2012, 2:49 pm
Hi Tim,
I’m looking forward to this contest, might be the kick in the butt that I need! I’m already down 9 pounds from the SCD but I am definitely lagging lately. Wondering how non iPhone users are supposed to enter? (Is registering for DietBet enough?)
Zach — October 24th, 2012, 2:53 pm
Suggestion: regarding “For the people who have the most amazing before and after transformations…”
Don’t you think this limits the prize incentives to folks who are already obese? It’s great that this will change lives…but maybe it would be fair to look at transformations achieved from different classes of starting body fat %, like weight classes in wrestling.
(For example: write the contest-end post showing transformations sorted by “before photos” 15-18 starting body fat %, 19-22%, etc.)
This would be immensely helpful for your new 4 Hour Chef readers. The end-contest post could showcase a range of examples, in which each reader can find his own current situation and identify with “before” photos…contrasted with the “after” photos of what is possible for them and what they could soon look like.
Some low-glycemic food for thought…good work again my friend!
PS- I would be happy to assist in sorting the data and photo editing to make this end-contest post a reality.
Dirk Bishop — October 24th, 2012, 3:01 pm
No android app ?? gonna lose a lot of contestants and potential customers. But still love all your books and posts!!!!!!!!!!
Warren Hales — October 24th, 2012, 3:02 pm
Don’t just take before photos … take them every week … and use this app to keep them organized and easily do side by side comparisons:
http://bit.ly/BodyCompare
(Note: This isn’t a Tim approved app … but I WISH he would look at it … it is a great 4HB companion tool!)
Matt — October 24th, 2012, 3:03 pm
Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Mushroom Mushroom…
Deb — October 24th, 2012, 3:04 pm
Yes! I found it for browser:
http://lift.do/
Mari — October 24th, 2012, 3:27 pm
That’s just a link to your settings and profile. You can’t actually use Lift in a browser… sadly.
John — October 24th, 2012, 3:05 pm
Tim! Why don’t you start this on OCT 25th, it’s already 2 days in and we are only now finding out about it…
sam — October 24th, 2012, 3:07 pm
What is required for the body fat measurements? Is my bia scale fine? Do i just take pictures of the scale everyday to qualify? Please clarify the fat percentage loss contest rules.
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:09 pm
Will do. Just a minute, then please see the end of the post again.
Thx for the comment!
Tim
Sam — October 24th, 2012, 4:22 pm
Thx Tim. I look forward to meeting you in a month!!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:08 pm
Hey all,
I’ll mention this just one more time, as a lot of people are asking:
If you’re on Android, you can use The 4-Hour Body App (though it has less community built-in), and all the other steps still apply: http://www.fourhourbodyapps.com
This challenge is designed for Lift but doesn’t require it.
Hope that helps!
Tim
Daniel — October 24th, 2012, 3:40 pm
Anyone who doesn’t have an apple product can simple use the Lift website: Lift.do
It’s also mobile friendly (at least when I tested it just now on my iPhone browser).
Daniel
Daniel — October 24th, 2012, 3:54 pm
Actually, seems you can only view stats on there. No check-ins unfortunately.
Jeff Standley — October 24th, 2012, 3:10 pm
Dang! I’ve already lost almost all my fat, my before and after now wouldn’t be as significant.
I am still signing up though.
Currently down 110lbs as of this morning on the 4HB!!
Dodie Rahlmann — October 24th, 2012, 3:12 pm
Definitely going to give this a try! Heading home to read up on my 4-hour Body book and heading straight the grocery store to get the proper foods!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:30 pm
Rock on! Nom, nom protein…
joe — October 24th, 2012, 3:14 pm
Just a little potentially helpful 411 to other readers…
Other effective habit training/tracking apps besides Lift are Touch Goal, My Pocket Coach, and Healthy Habits. (I’m not affiliated with any of them.)
They are not as social, but much better in some other ways. Totally worth a try. I’m not sure about Android versions.
Sjors Provoost — October 24th, 2012, 3:22 pm
Just one more question
I can see how 20,000 people add up to a million dollars, but with an average fat loss of 8 pounds, I don’t see how we’re going to lose more than about 160,000 pounds or “just” half a whale.
Or is your actual goal to get a lot more than 20,000 people on board?
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:30 pm
Haha… first and most important, I want to destroy that average. Second, I’d love to get more than 20,000 people.
Ryan — October 24th, 2012, 3:32 pm
I had a DEXA scan performed last Thusday. They will not allow me to have another DEXA scan done for 3 months due to radiation. Can I use a bodpod at end of month to determine the body fat % lost?
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 3:42 pm
Hi Ryan,
Huh. I’ve never run into that, but here’s what I suggest: get another BodPod now, then the finishing BodPod, and send all of your data over when we collect it later.
All the best,
Tim
Ryan — October 24th, 2012, 4:02 pm
Thanks Tim. I am going to try to find somewhere to get a bodpod done but unfortunately I am traveling for work this week. It might be the weekend before I find someone to do this for me.
Justin Lucas — October 24th, 2012, 3:34 pm
Giving this a shot as I kinda fell off the horse after a CrossFit competition. Tim, I look forward to winning & talking to you & your friends about my startup haha
Paul C. — October 24th, 2012, 3:43 pm
Done. I’m in.
Landon — October 24th, 2012, 3:59 pm
Um. DAMN. Thank you very much Tim. I already have a bet going for $40 with my boss. $90 on the line + my dream to meet Tim Ferriss? If I don’t win, I’ll at least look sexy… again, thank you!
Richard — October 24th, 2012, 4:07 pm
Can I use a DEXA scan I took a few weeks ago? If not, any reasonable priced recommendations in the SF Bay Area?
Beau — October 24th, 2012, 4:27 pm
Cool, downloaded the 4 Hour Body app and ready to rock and roll man.
Thierry — October 24th, 2012, 4:41 pm
Hello Tim,
First of all I’d like to congratulate you on a nice way to test your theory in real life with incentives and a good cause. The first incentive should be weigh loss but all the extras make it much more attractive to say: ” Now I’m really gonna go for it”. Don’t know if I can reach the meet and greet but you have to aim high when you never actually tried to do it !
Without much knowledge on the low carb diet issue I’m behind but need to do research: food, to eat not to eat, portions, easy recipes, inbetweeners, … knowledge so to speak. There will be good sources available but pointers (possible hint/tips links would be highly appreciated).
It is 1:25 am here in Belgium and I just found out about your march, don’t have your book yet (but I’ve been reading your 4hourweek and that’s eye-opening), don’t have a mobile platform to use so I’m stuck with the old fashioned lap top.. anyway
Couple of questions
Is there a limit registration time?
Knowing that the longer you wait, will be a little disadvantage towards the rest.
Is it possible to enter the contest without a mobile platform?
(no iphone, ipad, android,…)
Is it possible to enter the competition outside the US?
Look forward to hear from you
friendly greetz
Thierry
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 6:52 pm
Hi Thierry,
Thanks for your enthusiasm. To answer your questions:
- No limit on registration time, but the longer you wait, the less time you have
- You can enter without mobile. Just follow all the steps besides Lift.
- International is fine.
Good luck!
Tim
Kenny Sabarese — October 24th, 2012, 4:45 pm
Man. I just lost 15 pounds using intermittent fasting and a decent diet. This is too late
Scott Matkovich — October 24th, 2012, 4:47 pm
Why do I get the hunch that Bill Phillips kidnapped Tim Ferriss and hijacked his blog? ;0)
Farid — October 25th, 2012, 4:22 am
joe timmins — October 24th, 2012, 5:05 pm
Also, just wanna point out to folks that the post doesn’t say “4 percentage points” of body fat, but 4 percent weight loss. Not 14% down to 10% (fat) but 4 lbs off 100.
Wes — October 24th, 2012, 5:40 pm
Tim,
I would love to be a part of this but I’m on assignment down in Southern Peru without access to a body fat analyzer, proper gym or most of the things everyone else might use….Back to basics…And I would buy the BodyMetrix personal but it would take forever to get here… Any other options…daily pics, etc??
Le agradecería su ayuda si possible..
Wes
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 6:34 pm
Hi Wes,
No hay problema…
Just:
- Take weekly progress pictures and good before pics (front, side, back).
- Take tape measure measurements per The 4-Hour Body instructions:
Take your “before” circumference measurements. Get a simple tape measure and measure four locations: both upper arms (mid-bicep), waist (horizontal at navel), hips (at widest point below waist), and both legs (mid-thigh). Total these numbers to arrive at your Total Inches (TI). Changes in this total will be meaningful enough to track.
Hope that helps!
Tim
Kaihl Fransen — October 24th, 2012, 5:42 pm
Awesome I’ve been meaning to get back on the slow carb diet for the last couple of months. This could be just the kick I need. Unfortunately I’m on holidays at the moment and won’t be back home till Sunday so I can’t really do much till then. I don’t have access to any measuring devices or anything.
Justin Ehrhardt — October 24th, 2012, 5:59 pm
Tim,
I love the book. I have read it twice. I am starting a $100 challenge with three friends over a 6 month period of who loses most body fat. Since I have these tools I feel great. Will the 4HB app on android for sure not be left out? I update that thing daily sometimes. How do you monitor the info from the apps?
Thanks
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 6:30 pm
Hi Justin,
Great idea!
I won’t be monitoring the data from the 4HB app, per se, but you can take screenshots now and then later for proof. Pics for verification will be important, of course.
Good luck!
Tim
Justin Ehrhardt — October 24th, 2012, 6:46 pm
How will the winners be chosen? Is there a location to upload stats and everything?
Rob — October 24th, 2012, 6:04 pm
Isn’t this biased towards people who are already morbidly obese? As they have more to lose. I’m not exactly sporting a Brad Pitt fight club body at the moment, but just saying.
Anyway, I accept the challenge and have downloaded 4HB to lift (I already had the app but never used it).
Not sure where I can get body fat measured in the ways suggested near me though. Is it unacceptable to use a tape measure? Will see if the Body Metrix thing deliver outside of the US, but it is quite expensive.
Skippygirl — October 24th, 2012, 6:05 pm
Apologies in advance if this is a dumb question, in the Lift app I can’t see where you actually enter the data when you “check in” other than to note it in the comment box for that habit?
So do I enter my weight, body fat % and measurements in the comment box for that habit, and keep doing it regularly until Nov 21 when it ends?
Lift doesn’t seem to have an in app user guide, just settings. I gather you just “check in” against every habit whenever you do it.
aaron ward — October 24th, 2012, 6:07 pm
Tim,
Your diet absolutely works!! I’m a 6’0″ tall man that weighed 237lbs on January 23, 2012….This morning when I weighed in I was 183.5lbs…I lost 19lbs in the first month with NO Exercise!!! It only took 5 months to lose 50lbs…I’ve been maintaining 187lbs-182.7lbs since June 2012…and I’m still enjoying my cheat days — AKA Faturdays — every Saturday!! Thanks Tim…I won’t participate in this contest but I want to encourage anyone reading this to sign up now!!!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 6:29 pm
Congratulations, Aaron! Keep up the great work! Thank you for putting it all into action
Pura vida,
Tim
aaron ward — October 24th, 2012, 7:34 pm
Thank You Tim! Let me know if you need testimonial pix! I’ve done other diets but this by far the easiest…with a cheat day once a week where you can eat anything you want means you never have to diet more than 6 days in a row…and the day after the cheat day is really easy because I eat so much on Saturday, I don’t want to even look at fatty foods on Sunday!!!
I know it seems like I’m selling the book…but I’m super excited about my results….
I don’t like to cook but I’m looking forward to “The 4 Hour Chef”
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 8:43 pm
Thank you, Aaron! Please keep those pics, as I’d love to see them later. As for The 4-Hour Chef, and speaking as a lifelong non-cook, I promise you you’ll find plenty of things you like in there
All the best,
Tim
Danny — October 24th, 2012, 6:15 pm
has anyone tried/own the BodyMetrix Personal? I cant find any reviews on it and it’s too expensive to just buy on a whim.
Mitch Zamara — October 24th, 2012, 6:27 pm
Hey Tim,
For the body fat % part, if I have my certified personal trainer take measurements before and after, would that be enough validation?
Looking forward to this challenge!
Carl Kauppila — October 24th, 2012, 6:40 pm
Awesome contest. I recommend the 4HB to everyone and fiercely defend its validity, especially with the doubters in the healthcare field. Whole grains: who needs them??? Check out the iPhone app from My Body Experiment for an easy and accurate way to measure and track your body fat percentage.
Jesse Lee — October 24th, 2012, 6:51 pm
I had already re-started the Slow-Carb diet and Geek to Freak workout from 4HB on monday… then come tuesday you launched this contest. Great timing!
I set my own contest though. I am putting the 4HB diet and workout up against Tim Horton’s P90X. My partner and I are the 4HB Guinea pigs and our two friends are the P90X contestants. Tim vs. Tim.
I will track it and record as much data as possible and report back with the results.
Darren — October 24th, 2012, 6:52 pm
This is great. I’ve actually been on a lenient 4h body eating regime for a bit now (experimenting on and off), but this post is giving me the inspiration I need to go at it full fledge for the next month.
Just downloaded LIft and signed up.
Thanks for the inspiration
Shawnee — October 24th, 2012, 6:57 pm
I signed up for Lift! Do we have to do DietBet to get best before and after picture and if not how do we enter our pictures?
Thanks for the awesome motivation!!! Just when I needed it!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 7:14 pm
Hi Shawnee,
DietBet is not required. Just keep your photos and I’ll ask for them at the end!
Best of luck,
Tim
Megan Manson — October 24th, 2012, 7:03 pm
I already lost 30 lbs & 90+/- total cholesterol with vegetarian 4HB + omnivorous cheat day, but gained 7 back when I added “Pizza Friday” for the sake of my marriage and became a slave to my job. This is just what I need to evict those 7 lbs. Who knows–maybe I can do more!
DreamWeaver — October 24th, 2012, 8:11 pm
OK, I hope I saw a precursor to your next book:
‘The Gazzaley Lab, a cognitive neuroscience research lab at the University of California, San Francisco focused on studying the neural mechanisms of memory and attention, and how we might intervene therapeutically to alleviate memory and attention deficits.’
As someone who has suffered memory problems my entire life and scared what late middle-age might bring on as far as advancing the problem, I’d LOVE to see you publish a book on yours and other’s research on how to possibly stem the decline of the human memory!
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 8:42 pm
Much more coming on this!
In addition to Gazzaley Lab’s research I’m helping to fund (and have already), The 4-Hour Chef is my guide to improving memory and learning:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547884591/
Tim
James — October 24th, 2012, 8:24 pm
Hi Tim,
there was no link to the 25% discount on the Bodymetrix Personal, it’s a great deal and I would like to buy one, can you post link?
Thanks.
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 8:39 pm
Hi James,
You just need to use the code 4HOURBODY at the end of the checkout process. Please let me know if you run into any issues!
Cheers,
Tim
James — October 24th, 2012, 8:53 pm
Hi Tim,
appreciate the fast response. I originally went to Amazon not to their direct store…
Biggest issue now is that they do not ship to Australia! Any help would be most appreciated on that one!
James
Reuven — October 24th, 2012, 8:31 pm
Hi.
starting as of today.
will take good pictures of before and after and will measure the body fat.
will work to be the first (:
Jessica — October 24th, 2012, 8:44 pm
Just curious… How would you know if people aren’t cheating with their old “before” pictures?
Kathy — October 24th, 2012, 9:02 pm
I have been following SCD for a couple of months and have plateaued recently. I still have plenty to lose so I’m in!
Mitch Zamara — October 24th, 2012, 9:07 pm
Looks like the DietBet site isn’t properly displaying pot values over 10,000. Might want to let them know ASAP since a cut of 1,015 (what is currently showing) doesn’t seem nearly as appealing!
Deanna Zitzmann — October 24th, 2012, 9:10 pm
I don’t own a cell phone Tim (gasp!-on purpose) so can I just do the DietBet and not the Lift program and still enter the contest? Thank you.
Deanna
Erin — October 24th, 2012, 9:21 pm
Dors anyone else hate the idea of joining and already feeling late to the game?. I’d totally do this if I had a couple days notice (set up or do DEXA, get weekly menu/shopping done, etc.). Am I the only one feeling like it’s a GREAT challenge but a rushed timeline?
Tim Ferriss — October 24th, 2012, 10:26 pm
Hi Erin,
It’s definitely not too late. You’re all seeing this at the same time. 48 hours won’t make a difference at all. Execution will determine the winners.
Best of luck!
Tim
Alex — October 26th, 2012, 11:25 am
I agree, would have been much better to give us all advance notice. The lack of notice creates a bit of randomness in the results, and reduces the number of participants.
Jim Healthy — October 24th, 2012, 9:28 pm
Tim — it all seems temp. Aren’t we really wanting lifelong results? An eating style that keeps our weight constant? Jim Healthy
RM — October 24th, 2012, 9:47 pm
Great idea .. but .. does anyone know what would happen if the planet grew 1,000,000 pounds lighter in just four weeks? Will gravity still work? Will north still be .. north?
I have a lot to lose, but don’t want to be involved in the earth spinning off its axis and all .. y’know?
Tim Yip — October 24th, 2012, 9:56 pm
I am so down. No really into betting but I think I can do this one. You’ll be seeing my radical transformation pics soon enough.
Alex Vasquez — October 24th, 2012, 9:58 pm
Is it possible to participate if I am a minor, 16? I have about 25 pounds to loose, is there any advice or changes to the SCD if I am still growing and younger? Thanks.
Andrew — October 24th, 2012, 11:52 pm
Bring it on! Waking up early, drinking ice water and eating my morning mush, heading to the grocery store to stock up on black beans and spinach, running, then looking for bod pod somewhere in Nashville. I loosely stay on the diet, but now I’m determined to really lose this last bit of belly fat. Thanks for this post, Tim, it’s exactly what I need!
schlingel — October 25th, 2012, 12:02 am
I just reached “normal weight” after losing 85lbs on the SCD since the beginning of 2012 and NOW you come with this?
To be honest, there is nothing I could win, that would top the new feeling and quality of life. Thank you Tim!
Tim Ferriss — October 25th, 2012, 12:18 am
Zolotarev Roman — October 25th, 2012, 12:13 am
Hi Tim. I recently read your book “The 4-Hours Workweek”, and it’s completely transformed my way of thinking. But I have a few questions remaining. One of them is: what’s the first thing one needs to do to start changing their life today?
Antonius Momac — October 25th, 2012, 12:48 am
Hey Tim,
WOW! talk about timing (on so many levels)… The 23rd was my birthday. And true that I’m late to this but I did it before and I’m going to do it again since I got myself right back to my Fat-Mo starting weight.
I’m actually very happy because you had pointed out that good science is repeatable. So here we go. Time to mobilize the troops for this. it’s going to be so much fun.
I’ll be sure to keep a photo log of the consumption (is there anything that we should be using?).
See ya in November Tim.
Tim Ferriss — October 26th, 2012, 12:07 am
Nice to see you again, Antonius! I’ll be jamming right along with you and everyone
michaela — October 25th, 2012, 12:49 am
TIm,
I loved your book. This is a great way to motivate people. I will sign up and get started. Hopefully I can add to the 1,000,000 pound pot! Is there a place online we are suppose to record starting weight? Does it make sense to participe if you don’t have a lot weight to lose. Wait to keep my $50 and win some of the pot?
Tami Moore — October 25th, 2012, 1:26 am
I’m in!! Good luck everyone, Eat my dust!
Jaicidi — October 25th, 2012, 4:32 am
Tim,
this might not be the time or place, but have you come accross Dr. Ray Peat’s ideas on consuming plenty of sugars (namely fructose from OJ and lactose from milk) to increase metabolism and the production of ‘youth’ hormones such as Testosterone, Pregnenolone, Progesterone, DHEA?
If you have, what’s your take?
Michael Reynolds — October 25th, 2012, 8:04 am
Fiteo is a free app for iPhone that lets you take your before and after photos and create a timelapse. Check it out at fiteoapp dot com. Its not a plug if its a free app!
Awesome idea for a challenge. Great way to turn 4HB into action!
Sherif F. — October 25th, 2012, 8:07 am
Cool contest, but here’s the thing: I’d love to participate but I don’t think I can afford to lose any more weight, and my body fat percentage is already quite low. Instead, my goal is to gain muscle mass. Is there a way to incorporate that within the framework of the contest? If not, no worries; I’ll wait for the muscle-mass contest in the future
Margaret — October 25th, 2012, 8:14 am
Is signing up for DietBet our official entry?
Will have to weigh myself and take measurements tonight.
I’m excited at the thought of winning $$ – at minimum I get my money back.
Gabriel — October 25th, 2012, 8:17 am
Hey, Tim. I would LOVE to participate but I’m probably considered already pretty “fit” and therefore have much smaller chances of winning compared to those who have (very) high percentages of fat in their bodies. Would you perhaps make another winning category for pretty fit to extremely fit? (ex. 14% body fat, quite muscular -> 7% body fat, very muscular) It’d be an unbelievable pleasure to meet you in person and it’s amusing to see myself wishing that I were obese, haha!
NCA — October 25th, 2012, 8:20 am
Tim,
It seems we know alot of the same people here in Seattle, I was glad to hear that you enjoy partaking in smoking a little herb now and then.
What is the inside joke about the Count Chocula cereal?
Ryan — October 25th, 2012, 8:53 am
Tim-
I think in principal I am following your plan. I am avoiding everything white, 30g of protein when waking, supplementing, same foods, and a cheat day.
The way I am accomplishing the same food piece is using Optifast HP through a weight management program. It is a meal replacement for all but 1 meal a day and it has helped me keep a routine in my eating without having a ton of choices. What are your thoughts on this type of product (200 calories, 26g protein, 10 carbs)?
Jeff Donovan — October 25th, 2012, 9:05 am
I’m in. Signed up and paid on dietbet, will take the scale photo and will be asking about bodyfat measurement at the gym today to see if they offer it. I’m only a few days behind the start, and I can live with that.
Gigi — October 25th, 2012, 9:17 am
Aargh! I can’t REALLY participate because I’m near the end. I have maybe 10 lbs to lose and I’m pretty much done. Thanks 4 Hour Body, Slow Carb Diet and I can’t forget you “Faturday”. I drank the Kool Aid (on cheat day) and I’m a lifer now!
To everyone else good luck! Prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Why You Quit Exercising and How To Fix It — October 25th, 2012, 9:19 am
[...] work hard to not lose bets. In fact that’s the entire theme behind Tim Ferriss’ “Four-Hour Body Million-Pound Challenge“. People work hard in order to not lose. Whether its losing money or credibility or [...]
Chelsea — October 25th, 2012, 9:33 am
Did anyone else get nauseous on Slow Carb? It was so bad that I just had to have some toast.
Also, if everyone splits the pot for reaching 4%, how does that mean a potential pot of $1million? Not likely is it? a) we need thousands more to join and b) 4% isn’t that hard to hit on slow carb
Chris Clark — October 25th, 2012, 10:02 am
I was a little disappointed in the Lift Habits. I’ve been using Lift already and found that segmenting my habits/goals were better.
For example, instead of just “Slow-Carb Diet” I have:
Slow-Carb Breakfast
Slow-Carb Lunch
Slow-Carb Dinner
No snacking
No calories from drinks
I personally think not only is this better for long-term tracking purposes (i.e. learn where you are failing most), but it helps build momentum early in the day when you’re will power is strongest.
Additionally, anyone who has studied BJ Fogg knows that the smaller the habit the more likely it is to stick.
I love the diet. I’ve lost over 20 lbs. Having trouble losing the final 15 – 20. Perhaps this will push me to the next level.
Will — October 25th, 2012, 11:30 am
Tim what are your thoughts on the inbody 720? I’ve read it’s the closest thing to DEXA (apparently the most accurate) yet some people say bia such as the inbody systems aren’t great.
What is your number one choice of all the ones you listed (inc. inbody)?
thanks
Krolineb — October 25th, 2012, 11:42 am
Awesome I will get started today though
Grant — October 25th, 2012, 2:14 pm
Tim,
Maybe I missed it reading the article, but do you have dates on two photos of you? I assume the latter is present, but what is the date of the “Fat Tim” photo, and why were you so fat? Was it from before you got serious about health?
Christine — October 25th, 2012, 4:38 pm
I see the contest started on the 23rd. I was going to sign up until I saw the dates. Not cool!
John — October 25th, 2012, 4:48 pm
If 20,000 people do sign up and 33% sucess rate for 4% fat loss, then about a $78 profit may be attainable! If less than 8,000 people sign up and there is a 33% sucess rate, then there would be no profit. However the grand prize to meet Tim Ferris himself, priceless! This is a great idea Tim! Wish I would of read this post at the beginning of the week, I am already behind and of course I had a weekend planned of boozing at the Penn State vs. Ohio State game. If I didn’t pay $115 for my ticket i would be all in. I lost 60 lbs this past year and I am having trouble trying to loose the last 20 lbs fory goal. Please Tim continue your crazy
Sean — October 25th, 2012, 5:05 pm
I wrote in my journal the other day, I’m going to become a Tim Ferriss disciple until it doesn’t work. I want to move forward with several things in life and so after reading the 1st edition several times and now the 2nd of 4hww several times (call me hard headed) Im committed to the principles.
Why then would I balk at this challenge? Excuses like I just found out about it 2 days after started and I don’t have a lot of weight to lose. Maybe I’m just afraid of not being true to myself once I get started…
I have the 4hb and can’t wait for the 4hc. I should use this contest to get as a launching pad to the ideal body (and life) I’ve always wanted. If my efforts get recognized, fantastic. I love San Fran. If not, I’ve lost nothing.
I’m in.
Tim Ferriss — October 26th, 2012, 12:02 am
Grab life by the balls, my man. It’s the only way to go
Dain Miller — October 28th, 2012, 7:33 pm
Love this. Very motivational.
Sascha — October 29th, 2012, 5:14 am
Hi Tim,
thanks for the inspiration through your books! Can´t wait for the 4 hour chef! You´re totally right, if you want to change something you need to go for it, not only think about it! I changed my complete training plan and diet – I do less but with more effect, simply having fun with the slow carb diet and kettlebell training – people who see me just after two weeks and say “wow”! I think I got 5 or 6 people ordering your book right after I told them about it and seeing my results
I´m 25, I finished my studies last year and currently I work in a big company. Since I read (and reread) the 4 hour workweek I really want to change my life – ideas are just sparkeling out of my head more and more – thank you man!!
By the way, I had an idea for a nice little gadget that could suit the 4HB and the 4HChef – is there a way to send it to you safely?
Thanks, Sascha
Garrett — October 26th, 2012, 1:03 pm
Sean,
I too discovered this challenge several days late and also have little weight to lose compared to a lot of the other contestants (I assume).
But I like challenges. They’re challenging. And any fat loss is better than no fat loss.
Cheers,
Garrett
jacob r. — October 25th, 2012, 5:36 pm
This is a brilliant contest! Just put down my $50 Tim, let’s do this! …but first one more trip to Baskin Robbins.
Lauren Byrne — October 25th, 2012, 9:31 pm
Hi, Tim!
Nothing motivates most people like a challenge. My boyfriend and I are competing for a six pack, he’s used slow carb, I’m using slow carb inspired. Your work is super important and delightful to read.
http://fancymonstersabchallenge.wordpress.com/
That’s our challenge blog.
Lauren
Joy Curry — October 26th, 2012, 12:45 am
Doing this…. have not dieted in years..and need to lose 50 lbs. Turning 37 next month and this was the motivation needed to start a diet and stick with it. A day with Tim!!
I am from Florida but I have lived in Goa India for the last 2 years. No fancy stuff here but can use a tape measure and I already borrowed my neighbors scale. Even though I am 3 days late.. I am doing it with a vengeance.
Jan — October 26th, 2012, 2:25 am
Hey TIm,
like your books and blog… Any chance you have been in Shanghai lately? A friend of mine said he might have seen you but wasn’t sure.
Bill Hargenrader — October 26th, 2012, 7:19 am
Great Social Challenge Idea Tim!
Dietbet: Check. (The pot is up to 26K and you can still join).
4HB app: Check. (Android Owner here).
4HB book off the shelf: Check.
Bod Pod: Trying to schedule an appointment, hopefully today. Took before and after photos and measurements in case the Bod Pod falls through.
The wife and I are doing this together which helps for some local support during those tough moments…
Ready to rock this out!
Eric Barstow — October 26th, 2012, 7:56 am
Tim!
Another brilliant competition – I love it!
Looking forward to a weekend in San Francisco with you… let the games begin!
Eric
Karima — October 26th, 2012, 9:12 am
Hey Tim,
I’m really excited by this challenge. I turn 60 at the end of November and I want to celebrate with a hike up Mt. Tam and some Tango dancing. We’ll have fun! I have a list of stuff I’ve always wanted to talk with you about so put your nerd hat on. I really want to win this!! I’m going to get my first BodPod readings this morning. Much more important numbers than the number 6 and 0. Right?
Thanks…as always for the awesome motivation!
Karima
Bill Crane — October 26th, 2012, 9:23 am
Tim,
I am going to be the one hanging with you in SF. Just thought I would let you know ahead of time:)
Bill
Suzanne — October 26th, 2012, 11:07 am
Wondering if you’ve looked into the Raspberry Ketones for fat burning; any research or experiment results/knowledge?
Is it just another false fad?
Suzanne
Hipes — October 26th, 2012, 12:56 pm
Good afternoon Tim
For those of us all about the fat % loss for the chance to meet you, where do we send the transformation data??
Spencer Moore — October 26th, 2012, 1:48 pm
Hey Tim!
I’m not particularly overweight. How about a similar competition for building muscle mass/reducing existing body fat percentage?!
Best!
Spencer
Fat Scale — October 27th, 2012, 4:20 am
Hii guys, I am really exciting about the challenge.
Bob Siddoway — October 27th, 2012, 9:29 am
It’s always crazy how much people’s faces change when they lose weight. Even Tim Ferriss!
Dave — October 27th, 2012, 2:32 pm
My wife and I have used the Wii Fit program, which charts your body mass and weight each day. We used it for two years. My wife broke two legs and an ankle several years ago, was bedridden for six months and gained 60 pounds eating my cooking.
Using the Wii Fit program and watching our diet, she lost 50 pounds. In the meantime, I ate the same meals and lost 30 pounds. To exercise, since with broken legs she could not walk far, my wife rode a recumbent bicycle three hours per day, seven days per week.
According to Tim’s statistics, and my calculations, if anyone won the “bet,” it wouldn’t be much of a windfall. If each participant put $50 into the “pot,” it would require 20,000 participants to come up with one million dollars. If 33 percent of the participants win the challenge (as stated by Tim), that would be 6,000 participants and each one would net $155.
Obviously, the motivator here would not be the prize money, it would be the reward of losing the weight.
Sam — October 28th, 2012, 8:04 am
Post for anyone in the Hampton Roads area of VA. After researching trying to find a bod pod I think I hit the jackpot. VCU won’t let you use theirs, ODU cost 25 bucks, awesome but that is a crazy traffic drive from the peninsula, Langley AFB has one that you can use for FREE at the health and wellness center 757 764 6321. If you can’t get on base and really want use this resource reply to this post and I will try and help. They only provide this service on Fridays.
laura — October 28th, 2012, 9:12 am
I would like to know if i can exchange a herbalife shake (3 spoons in order to get enough protein) for breakfast instead of eating egss, beans, etc.
gg love — October 28th, 2012, 8:45 pm
Just today I decided to drop the extra eight pounds I’ve been carrying BEFORE Thanksgiving rather than wait until after the holidays, then I stumble onto your blog after an associate mentioned the Lift ap today. Love those moments of kismet disguised as coincidence!
Hope they can ship my BodyMetrix Personal overnight express…
Thanks for your ever-evocative genius, Tim.
Zolotarev Roman — October 29th, 2012, 1:18 am
Hello, Tim! After I read your book ‘The 4-hour Workweek’, a question emerged. You allot little time in the book to long-term planning. You just say one has to think of three concrete goals. Where do we go from there? How do you plan your goals? Thanks in advance.
Chris R. — October 29th, 2012, 7:07 am
Hey Tim,
What buy-in level do you think we would be at if the pot had been set at $25? Interesting to think of what the absolute best buy-in amount would have been for this audience.
Sal Jumat — October 29th, 2012, 7:20 am
LOve the bit about automating meals….I actually worked a deal with my tenant to prepare meals for me. Worked out fine and now she’s even helping take care of my kids ;p
Carlo — October 29th, 2012, 7:46 am
Hey Tim!
I came in 3 days late, and I already lost 2 Kg. How is this possible… just by following the basic rules on your earlier post ‘How to Lose 100 Pounds on The Slow-Carb Diet’
I was waiting for the dutch translation of 4HB but is seems I need to rush to get
the original english version and to get my body fat scanned before it is gone ;D
Carlo
CarlosV — October 29th, 2012, 9:52 am
Is the bet available abroad?
Carlo — October 31st, 2012, 11:31 am
Yep Carlos, just login to diebet.com and choose 4-Hour Body Challenge game. I am already 2.3 Kg down.
gg love — October 29th, 2012, 12:04 pm
Download Lift. Check
Take measurements. Check
Stock up on veggies. Check
Buy The Four-Hour Body. Check
Take before photos. Yikes!
Dave — October 29th, 2012, 12:06 pm
Interesting, I didn’t know about the “meet Tim Ferris,” part of the prize. You’re right, that opportunity is priceless.
Landon — October 29th, 2012, 2:07 pm
When measuring your TI in four places, do you add the inches from the extra arm and leg? Or just the average inches from opposing limbs?
Matthew Njogu — October 29th, 2012, 11:49 pm
The part on minimalism (doing the least required) is quite counter-intuitive
gg love — November 1st, 2012, 9:04 am
me thinks you missed the point, Matthew… Emphasis on the word REQUIRED should clarify.
Daniel — October 30th, 2012, 1:22 am
Hi Tim, this is a great idea and I can’t wait to see the result from people in the competition! Unfortunately I can’t participate because I need to gain weight. Is there a financial program that is available for people to use who want to gain weight?
gg love — October 30th, 2012, 1:07 pm
I don’t have my copy of 4HRBody yet… what’s the deal with the cold showers?
Pat — October 31st, 2012, 5:22 am
Love your book!! I have had great success on the Slow Carb diet. I started Aug 4 and my weight is down to 125.2. My problem is bad breath. I went to the dentist this week, thinking the problem was coming from my teeth, but all is fine there. This is embarrassing—could it be from the diet? If so, what suggestions do you have? I need help with this.
Kristi — November 1st, 2012, 10:02 am
Pat – I experienced this when I was taking the PAGG stack – namely the Garlic Extract part. If you’re also using those supplements, that may be the cause.
Sascha — November 1st, 2012, 11:45 am
Hi Pat,
I experienced the same without taking PAGG. The bad breath is related to ketones that are developing in your stomach because of the reduced amount of white carbohydrates due to the slow carb diet. You loose fat and this fat is getting converted and ketones are developing. These get divided and sulfites come up which cause bad breath.
That´s at least what I learned
@Tim: I hope my explanation goes along with your experience !?
Regards,
Sascha
Peter Bold — November 1st, 2012, 6:20 pm
Maybe your carbs are not high enough and you are in ketosis.
lexie — October 31st, 2012, 11:22 pm
hey tim, any idea when the 4HB app will be compatible with jelly bean os?
Randall St. Germain — November 1st, 2012, 9:36 pm
Tim, I enjoyed the 4 Hour Body, and of course the 4 Hour Workweek. Now looking forward to the 4 Hour Chef. This past summer, I walked across Spain and finished in the best shape in a while. That and with hiking when I returned worked great. However, I would love to implement some of the dietary recommendations and discussion from your book. I would love to have more energy, especially in the mornings. I need to be creative for my work for longer periods.
Anna F — November 1st, 2012, 10:12 pm
Where do we send our progress photos and body fat measurements?
I had my body composition measured in BodPod, and I took a picture of the printout with results as a proof of my starting point.
Ande G. — November 2nd, 2012, 4:53 am
This is amazing! This project I mean. When I was on a diet and I had to burn everything fat, it was really hard to remain focused because I was all alone. But this… I hope it helps as many people as possible, especially because they know they are not alone! Great job!
Robert Wright — November 2nd, 2012, 7:59 pm
OK Tim, I’m in!!
Richard — November 3rd, 2012, 11:55 am
Hi Tim!
I have a question regarding your take on losing BF with the supplement stack, mentioned in the ’4-hour body’. Would it work on a lean bulk meal plan? Would I be able to lose, say 2% BF, with it, without actually having to be in a caloric deficit?
Hope you find the time to get back to me.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it enlightened me in so many ways!
Sincerely,
Richard
Balázs Csanak — November 3rd, 2012, 4:40 pm
Hi Tim!
My question is a bit off-topic. I am about to make an iPhone app (kettlebell, hell yeah
) according to your guidelines in the 4HWW. BUT! I had a great argument with the developers (or at least the guy who’s leading the development company and seems like an application addict) about the price how much should it cost. You say: keep the price high and prove the product is worth it. According to this I planned to price the app as high as around 50 USD. The devs say no frickin’ way, won’t sell a single copy like this. What do you think about it?
A bonus question: which crowdfunding site should I use to collect funds for this?
Thanks in advance for your answer!
Antonius Momac — November 4th, 2012, 6:20 am
Hi Csanak,
I think you know the answer, there’s only one way to find out…
If it doesn’t sell, then you can drop the price.
I’m going to vote, so at least you have some feedback; I would pass on a 50 dollar app. I don’t think There are many above 10 dollars. Oh, and if there are a bunch of free ones out, I would try those first.
Good luck.
Bruce — November 6th, 2012, 10:52 am
I wouldn’t pay $50 for it when there are plenty of free resources online. The most expensive application I bought was around $18 (invoicing software for my company) but the functionality is insane… not sure what you’re planning on including with your application though… either way, how can anybody judge the value with such few details
Tomas — November 3rd, 2012, 4:41 pm
Hi Tim,
I just watched your appearance at the Joe Rogan Podcast, I just want to say that it was awesome (albeit somewhat technical at a few points), it was straight stimulating conversation for the whole 2+ hours and I loved every minute of it. I’ve been following both you and Rogan for a while so it was a lot of fun that you appeared at his podcast. You could tell Joe was really impressed by your knowledge.. Redban is just weird lol
Fat Mike — November 3rd, 2012, 7:38 pm
Great Post Tim! I have tried the Slow Carb Diet before and it worked great. I’m looking forward to this contest, might be the kick in the butt that I need!
Bruce — November 4th, 2012, 8:54 am
Somewhat related to this post: any idea when is Land Rush 2012 starting?? We’re getting close to the book release date and I’m excited to help Tim (and to take advantage of some special offers)!
Scott — November 4th, 2012, 11:29 am
Hi Tim. Great article! Good to see that your contributing to curing this obesity epidemic we’re experiencing.
I’m a fellow entrepreneur and I run a fitness organization in NYC. I think you’re brilliant. Would you consider being my mentor?
David Ridings — November 4th, 2012, 3:17 pm
Hello Tim. Thank you for this blog post. I would love you to feature on my blog http://www.5thingstodotoday.com. It could be five things related to your new book out soon. Let me know what you think. Several successful authors have already contributed and I would really like if you would too. Many thanks
David
Mattias Pettersson — November 4th, 2012, 11:51 pm
I did install Lift on my iPhone. And I used it. And I had to delete it. Why? It eats up all my battery… something is weird with it, at least on my iPhone4..
I’m still continuing the “struggle”
But I’ll just keep updating my blog instead – weekly.. 
Anna F. — November 5th, 2012, 1:16 pm
When is the final weigh-in day? The post says 11/16, but DietBet has 11/21 marked… so which one is it?
gg love — November 6th, 2012, 11:48 am
I’m down six pounds already… YES! Dovetailed your suggestions with JJ Virgin’s elimination plan (no eggs, dairy, sugar, corn, gluten, peanuts or soy) after I got wind of it at Brendon Buchard’s High Performance Academy two weeks ago.
Thanks again for rolling your bandwagon out into the sunshine, Tim. I’m wearing my favorite tight white dress to a meeting in Woodside today.
Ann-Marie MacKay — November 7th, 2012, 8:17 am
I’m trying to join on dietbet, but there’s no option to join. It stays it’s still open, but there is no “join this game” option. Any ideas?
Pierre-Andre Rheault — November 11th, 2012, 11:49 am
Hi Tim,
This is such a great post and initiative. Too bad i didnt get in it on time. To you intend on doing it again in the future? If so, i definitely don’t want to miss it.
Regards
Pierre
gg love — November 12th, 2012, 6:46 am
I second that idea. Do it again near the first of the year and turn it into a 90-day challenge. That will give people a real leg-up on a super fit, super energized 2013.
EnglishRose — November 14th, 2012, 5:01 am
Could work. The theory is there. Anything collective works well with people hence why diet groups and weigh-ins work or being accountable to your partner. Betting is heavily regulated in many countries.
Those who aren’t obese will lose a lot less so in fact someone who is very obese is much more likely to win than someone who has 14 pounds to lose.
Tony H — November 15th, 2012, 4:55 pm
Tim, I just wanted to stop by and post a picture of my results. In 4 and a half months I lost 41 pounds. I am getting my second DEXA scan tomorrow to see how actual fat I lost. Been hitting the Kettlebells pretty hard the entire time.
Not sure if a picture link will work in comments, but here goes: http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy171/thechristiancoach/4%20Hour%20Body/4HBSideView_zpsd96b3a1e.jpg
Bill Hargenrader — November 16th, 2012, 10:08 am
Bam! That is AWESOME! gratz.
gg love — November 16th, 2012, 3:40 am
Today is game-over day, yes? To whom do we submit the vitals?
Antonius Momac — November 16th, 2012, 9:49 am
Crap!!! I was going to Make Today my cheat day. Hmmmmm…..
Now I got to set myself up to take some PICs! Thanks for the heads-up Gigi.
What’s the move Charlie?
BTW:
24.6% (Holly Fat man) to 19.2% (getting there). So like 5.4% (all estimated) in 20 days!!! (started measuring 10/27).
I did great a few years back working off the 20 in 30 post. But of course I didn’t follow everything and I didn’t do the Cheat day stuff at all. Missed that stuff, I guess brain didn’t think it was important. WOW, was I wrong.
Last time from 5/29/2010 to 6/19/2010 I went from (again all estimated, but same navy body far calc. http://bit.ly/CXUwF) 26.4 to 22.6. That’s only 3.8% (which was great, but I was working harder WTF). I was probably only 60-80% there. didn’t know about PPAG, nor did I do 30 gr religiously every morning.
This time around the FHB was available to me, and I went for the full program. Oh, except for the PPGA, since I’m not good about taking pills. I’m actaully really lazy. Now I kinda wish I was doing that too…. Next time???
I can’t even believe it myself. I was doing great but I was actually working harder. Biking during lunch every workday. And a rather light program 3x a week with my old 15lb and 5lbs dumbbells. I did get a Freaking heavy (for me) 15kg kettlebell which I’ve done 4-5 sessions. Not sure, but my buns are Beach-Ball-ilicious.
It took me 98 days to get to 12% body fat. I’m going to try and see how long it takes me doing everything that Tim suggested. 4HB is awesome, and SCD works extremely well.
I’m so glad that I listened to everything this time:
Doing less is so much MORE!
)
Deb — November 16th, 2012, 1:56 pm
Diet Bet says the weigh-in is 11/21-11/22 so hopefully that’s the case.
Bill C — November 16th, 2012, 7:50 am
Found this blog a little but here are my stats. I lost three pounds, 3.22 total inches. According to a Tanita body machine, lost 1.1% body fat. I have no access to a better body fat tester. Have pictures, excel and tapes to document.
Bill Hargenrader — November 16th, 2012, 2:30 pm
Not sure where to post the results so will post them here:
October 24, 2012
BF%: 30.1 (Bioimpedance)
Weight: 241.2
Inches: 184.1
November 16, 2012
BF%: 26.6 (Bioimpedance)
Weight: 225.8
Inches: 175.6
Bioimpendance is not the best measurement but it is what I had around. I also took before and after pics, however when I uploaded them to the 4HB app, it took them out of my camera roll library…. So it appears they are stuck in there. If anyone knows how to “unload” the pics from there that would be helpful, or perhaps it is a bug. If I am able to extricate them I’ll post a link.
Either way, I am happy with the results and will keep on working it. Thanks for the contest Tim. Let us know if there are any next steps!
Christine — November 16th, 2012, 4:09 pm
Hello
I just bought the 4 Hour Body book.
I’m uplifted by the book, but a little disappointed to find that the links to all the wonderful additional resources don’t work…
Is there any other way I can access the links please?
Best regards,
Christine
David — November 25th, 2012, 7:33 pm
Me too!
Is there anywhere that I can find all the wonderful resources online mentioned in the book?
I’m now completely hooked on the Tim Ferriss life philosophy and want to devour as much as I can.
gg love — November 16th, 2012, 5:57 pm
Hi all. I started out at 130 after two days of “freestyle eating” and this morning weighed in at 121. My measurements (girth total) went from 206 to 195, and my body fat percentage dropped from 25% to 20.5%. Woo-hoo!
Mitch Zamara — November 16th, 2012, 11:11 pm
Here’s my results for the body fat challenge part of things: 5.8%
Details are as follows:
My Diet Bet Profile where I’m tracking everything: http://www.dietbet.com/games/4319/player-profile?userId=8834
Oct 25th- 33% Body Fat – Picture here from my dietbet: http://images.dietbet.com/files/players/photos/4319/8834_2962_preview.jpg)
Measurements:
Biceps (both combined) 31 in.
Waist 51 in.
Hips 45 in.
Legs (both combined) 58 in.
Chest (bonus measurement) 51 in.
Nov 16th – 27.2% Body Fat – Picture proof (taken about an hour ago): http://images.dietbet.com/files/players/photos/4319/8834_3265_preview.jpg
Measurements:
Biceps (both combined) 29 in.
Waist 48 in.
Hips 44 in.
Legs (combined) 54 in.
Chest (bonus measurement) 47 in.
Total Inches lost including from my chest: 14.
Total Inches without chest measurements: 10.
Total lbs lost to date: 15.4
Total body fat % lost: 5.8%
Some progress pictures (missing this most current week, but will have those in just a few minutes):
http://images.dietbet.com/files/players/photos/4319/8834_3008_preview.jpg
I’ve been doing weekly pictures on my dietbet profile, but I have much higher resolution stuff from the entire process if you want. Hope this is enough to qualify me for the contest!
Anna F — November 17th, 2012, 3:00 am
Where do we send before-and-after pictures and results?
Jean-Denis Haas — November 17th, 2012, 11:56 am
What’s the real date for the end? Even the start of it all was one day later than what the blog post announcement was. So should it be today (17th?). Since we track it with DietBet, it’s misleading to ignore their countdown. Any clarification would be great.
gg love — November 19th, 2012, 7:15 am
Okay. So. I’m feeling a little orphaned on this thread, Tim. Maybe you lost interest when the snowball failed to grow to the size you’d anticipated? Then again, maybe it’s a BRILLIANT IDEA that just needs to be refined and crafted so as to generate the numbers needed to actualize your vision of a million pound march. I could easily get behind that initiative and, in fact, would love to join forces with you to make it happen. Please take a peek at the now defunct site, theovereatingcuredotcom and/or go to my personal site and click on “join us” under events and read about the flying geese launch.
JoshCork — November 20th, 2012, 10:00 pm
A quick post to outline the progress I made over the period of the competition. I also kept a photo food journal using Evernote Food that I’ll share on my blog shortly. Link to blog post with before and after pictures below.
Days in competition: 22
BodPod BodyFat % Change: -.79
Caliper BodfyFat % Change: -1.02
Bodpod Scale Weight Change (lbs): -9
Caliper Scale Weight Change (lbs): -10.7
Average Bodyfat % Change: -.91
Average Weight Change: -9.85
http://blog.iupgrade.me/2012/11/20/results-the-4-hour-body-million-pound-march/
Deb — November 21st, 2012, 9:28 am
Made it! Down 14.5 pounds and a total of 7.5 inches.
SR — November 22nd, 2012, 9:49 am
Looking for a quick 30 g protein item that can be eaten within 30 min of arising and requires no preparation(wouldn’t be so bad if it tasted OK). Any help appreciated.
LM — November 22nd, 2012, 1:12 pm
Final stats for the contest are;
Lost – 21.6 pounds
Lost- 22.6 pounds of fat
Gained – 1 beautiful pound of muscle.
I will post pics on dietbet. Thanks for all of the fun!
Linda
LM — November 30th, 2012, 11:24 pm
Who won?
rose mclean — January 9th, 2013, 7:41 pm
*hopeful face*
thanks for reading …
rose
I can’t join your dietbet, but I started the 4HB diet with my daughter on jan 2nd, 2013 … fingers crossed it works ….
Viktoria — January 18th, 2013, 12:27 am
Hi Tim,
When I read about the 15 minute orgasm I thought you were referring to Dr. Patti Taylor’s Expanded Orgasm.
Since it wasn’t I thought you might like her work on how to have orgasms that can last for hours.
Brady — January 18th, 2013, 12:30 pm
Hey Tim,
My wife and I started on the slow carb diet on the 5th and I have lost 19 lbs and she has lost 10 lbs. We have a question. My wife just had our little girl 4 months ago. She is still nursing and wants to continue. Only problem she is having is that she is starting to lose Milk supply. We want to know what she can do to stay on the diet with the same results. But yet not lose milk supply. We tried adding one more meal to her diet so she gets more calories, but it doesnt seem to work or she just feels like shes eating way to much. Would you add more complex carbs? More Protein? Just need some insight, or if anyone else had had this same issue
Brady and Jenn
Nathan — January 22nd, 2013, 10:46 pm
I tried 4hb, lost so much weight I scared my friends. I didn’t monitor my weight however, and proceeded to gain it right back, with interest. I’m now monitoring and watching my carbs and have lost 5% over 50 days and falling, steady monitoring is a powerful tool.
B. N. — January 27th, 2013, 11:51 am
Hello Tim
Greetings from UK and congrats on the new book.
I have just bought the 4HB book and started the slow-carb diet. It has given me lots of energy to wake up in the morning and I have lost 1kg in the first week (down from 74 to 73). My target is to be below 70Kg and reduce 20% fat (22%-24% now…)
All in all, it goes fine because my breakfast has always had eggs – and I’m fine with meat/spinach combination. I’m in the 2nd week now and trying to fit the 4th meal in the day to avoid feeling hungry all day despite the lots of meat eaten…
A quick question: You say we should avoid white carbs; but at the same time you do not recommend in your favourite lists any brown bread or pasta (I mean the real wholemeal ones!). Is there any particular reason?
Other quick questions
- is dark (70%) chocolate good as dessert during the diet days?
- [Moderator: Link removed.] what is the recommended reps for pull ups to increase muscle gain?
- you put hummus as worrying because of overeating – but I could not find the recommended amount (e.g. for a snack with celery or carrots)
Many thanks!
B.N.
H — February 9th, 2013, 11:30 am
As a lawyer and person who has struggled with my weight my entire life, I was reluctant to even allow myself to imagine what Tim said was not only possible, but practically certain. My best friend bought the book for me and my wife as a gift, we read a few chapters and said we’d give it a try, together. After just 3 months my wife flew well passed her goal, lost over 25 pounds, and now is just maintaining. As for me, I’m down 55 pounds in 5 1/2 months, and I’ve never felt better or had so much energy. The sense of gratitude for what The 4 Hour Body has done for me cannot be fully expressed in the words of a blog comment (the only way I could figure out to possibly contact the author), so I’ll say just say, with the utmost sincerity and appreciation: Thank you!!!
Dave L — February 11th, 2013, 12:41 pm
Love the slow carb diet. Did it just for the month of January, 2013 and lost 20 pounds – 210 to 190. Feel great and sticking with many of the diet changes because it just feels better.
I wanted to start in on the Endurance 5K to 50K section now as I’ve signed up for a triathlon in Lake Tahoe in 4 months and really want to try a minimalist training approach to take it easy on my back and knees. (i’ve done many marathons, triathlons and even an ironman in the past, but it’s many years and the training for those took a toll).
However, the book said I’d find the Tim’s results in his blog here, but alas I cannot find any information on how he/the training regimen did in the race??
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
Anne — March 15th, 2013, 10:24 am
When are you going to start another Dietbet.
Would be perfect after the Easter Eggs are gone!
Pat — March 18th, 2013, 5:45 am
Tell me how to get your protein drink. I’ve been eating 2 eggs, black beans and green beans for breakfast since August and follow the Slow-Carb diet throughout the day. I was out of town two weeks ago and could not stick to my usual diet. The protein drink would have come in handy.
Thanks, Pat